"The purpose of the gesture was to raise awareness about social issues affecting our country, and while I'm looking forward to a society that is inclusive, empathetic and a welcoming place, I will not continue the symbolic gesture of taking a knee during our National Anthem this season," his statement read in part.

Maxwell became the first Major League Baseball player to kneel during the anthem when he did so before a home game against the Texas Rangers on Sept. 23, 2017.

Maxwell, the son of a U.S. Army veteran, said after the game that he was kneeling "for the people that don't have a voice."

Maxwell was arrested in Arizona in late October after a food delivery person alleged he pointed a gun at her. The A's plan to start him at catcher despite the off-field issues.